Distance (Video)

compose Logan Watts
time May 7, 2020
comment 1

Filmed in June 2019 around Argyll in Scotland, including Loch Etive, The Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin, and the Isle of Lismore, Distance is the latest film from Markus Stitz. Markus has made Edinburgh, Scotland his home base since 2009 while completing an around-the-world singlespeed bikepacking mission and creating several Scottish bikepacking routes such as The Capital Trail. In this film Markus reflects on his solo bikepacking adventures in Scotland and how they help him cope with the measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I took the video footage back in 2019, with no real idea how to use it. When lockdown started, I started to reflect on the commonly used term ‘social distancing’. I have ridden around the world unsupported, and most of my bikepacking adventures are solo adventures. The memories from my past adventures and the ability to be on my own, without feeling massively overwhelmed by it, helped me coping with the current lockdown measures in Scotland. I hope this film will bring joy and fresh ideas to people, especially those who might not be able to cope as well. With the film I tried to give the term ‘distancing’ a more positive flavour. I really think there is a need for physical distancing in the pandemic, but right now, a social connection is more important than ever.”

Distance was filmed and edited on an iPhone 7plus, with additional drone footage from a DJI Mavic Pro. The film is subtitled in English and German. The production was supported by Wild About Argyll and Scottish Natural Heritage. A special thank you goes to Gordon Campbell Gray from the Pierhouse Hotel in Port Appin.